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Salihamidzic: Bayern are favourites

Former Bayern Munich midfielder Hasan Salihamidzic says Arsenal are no longer a ‘top club’ after being drawn to face the Bundesliga giants.

Arsene Wenger’s side made it out of the group stages of the Champions League, but face last season’s finalists in a tricky tie and also trail Manchester United in the English Premier League race by 15 points.

Salihamidzic, 35, believes Bayern, who lead the Bundesliga by nine points, should be considered the favourites to go through, but knows from past experience that Arsenal will provide a stern test.

“(The draw) is a top quality encounter footballers live for. However, it needs to be said that Arsenal aren’t among the top clubs anymore. They have too many problems this season,” he told TZ Online.

“Bayern are clearly favourites in this match. But they have to be careful – it’s always difficult to win in England.

“Arsenal don’t play typically British but rather a well-groomed combination football.

“But I actually think that Bayern can take advantage of this. They will be able to adapt better to that than against teams who park the bus. They will be interesting matches.”

While Jupp Heynckes can call on the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm and Thomas Mueller to drive his team on to victory, Salihamidzic says a German player in Arsenal’s side could decide the tie – Lukas Podolski.

“(Podolski) will be motivated. After all he will play against his colleagues from the national team,” he said.

“For sure he will want to show that he has become an important player in England. Therefore, (Bayern) will have to watch out for him.”

The midfielder also said the Bundesliga leaders are favourites alongside Spanish giants Barcelona to win the competition.

“FC Barcelona and Bayern are the teams who currently convince the most and have the best consistency in their performances,” he said.

“I think that Barca and Bayern are a bit above the rest at the moment.”